DAILY BRIEFING Rescued sea otter thriving at SeaWorld, new principal for The Preuss School, Scuderie Italia to open in Pacific Beach

Rescued sea otter Nova at SeaWorld.

A round-upof news, community, and business briefs from sdnews.com highlighting whats happening in our community.

Monday, June 8

NOVA IS HER NAME

Thanks to SeaWorld fans from across the country, a new otter who arrived at SeaWorld in March now has a name, Nova. Nova is the feminine singular form of the Latin adjective novus "new," and it is commonly used in reference to Nova Stella "new star." Followers on Facebook and Instagram were asked to vote on five different names, and Nova won by a large margin.

Nova was deemed non-releasable by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and transported from Monterey Bay Aquarium to SeaWorld, where animal care specialists have been caring for rescued sea otters for more than 40 years. She has been thriving in SeaWorlds care, eating about 20 percent of her body weight daily and getting to know her pool mates: five sea otters ranging in age from 10 months old to 9 years old.

Until today, SeaWorlds newest southern sea otter was known only as 820, the designation assigned to her after being rescued and cared for by Monterey Bay Aquarium. The young southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) was found stranded with no mother in sight on a beach in Cambria, Calif. in March 2018. Marine-animal experts from Monterey Bay Aquarium took her in and provided care and stabilization. She was outfitted with a tracking transmitter and released back into the wild along Monterey.

After much travel and challenge, she was rescued again by the Monterey Bay Aquarium team to improve her chances of survival, and they continued to care for her until she made a full recovery and was brought to SeaWorld.

THE PREUSS SCHOOL NAMES NEW PRINCIPAL

After a nationwide search, Matthew Steitz, Ed.D, has been appointed principal of The Preuss School UC San Diego, effective July 1. The nationally-ranked charter school is focused on low-income students who strive to become the first in their families to graduate from college.

Most recently, Steitz served as assistant superintendent of Educational Excellence for the Vista Unified School District. Located on the University of California San Diego campus, the school was recently recognized as the No. 1 high school in San Diego County by U.S. News & World Report.

We are delighted to welcome Matthew Steitz to The Preuss School, said UC San Diego executive vice chancellor Elizabeth H. Simmons. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, a passion for excellence and a commitment to the mission and vision of The Preuss School that will continue to support outstanding outcomes.

As principal, Steitz will work closely with Helen V. Griffith, Ed.D., executive director of The Preuss School, to build the capacity of scholars, faculty, staff, parents and community partners. As an educator who is dedicated to transformational student success, Dr. Steitz is an ideal addition to our Preuss leadership team, said Griffith. I look forward to partnering with him in preparing our scholars to succeed in college and career.

I am thrilled to join the The Preuss School team, ready to support the schools history of transformational success, especially at a time when our educational system is challenged by a worldwide pandemic, said Steitz.

ITALIAN RESTAURANT COMING TO PB

The owner of San Diego's popular Landini's Pizzeria is opening a full-service Italian restaurant in Pacific Beach.Scuderie Italia will open later this year in the standalone building that last housed Caff Bella Italia at 1525 Garnet Ave. Florence-native Leo Landini took over the former Pizzeria Luigi in Little Italy in 2009 and opened his namesake eatery. In 2016, Landini repurposed the second-tier space above his pizzeria and launched full-service restaurantRistorante Illando.

In 2018, he launched a small-scale eateryinside the Little Italy Food Hall in Point Loma's Liberty Station. Scuderie Italia, which translates to "stable Italy, will have a full menu of Italian dishes, as well as wood-fired, East Coast-style pizza. The eatery will also have a variety of local beers and a curated wine list. Scuderie Italia is anticipated to open by this fall. Visitlandinispizzeria.comto learn more.

UC SAN DIEGO DIGITIZES WINE AND FOOD CULINARY COLLECTION

Nearly 100 historic cookbooks, manuscripts, and pamphlets dating back to the early 17th century have been digitized and made available via the UC San Diego Librarys American Institute of Wine & Food (AIWF) Culinary Collection.

Cooks, bakers, and culinary historians around the globe now have immediate online access.

Spearheaded by Special Collections & Archives (SC&A), this digitization project has allowed the Library to share historic and rarely seen cookbooks, manuscripts, and pamphlets featuring advertisements for food productssome materials dating back to the early 17th century.

Making a portion of this collection digitally accessible via our Digital Collections website allows usto share these rare books and recipes from generations past with both the UC San Diego community and the public at large, said Lynda Claassen, director of the librarys Special Collections & Archives. The digitized volumes give users a taste of the breadth and depth of our culinary collection, which includes more than 7,000 volumes and continues to grow. We encourage community members to access and share these newly digitized treasures, whether for scholarly research or personal pleasure.

The digitized items include a wealth of Mexican culinary manuscripts, some dating back to the early 19th century, as well as other unique manuscripts. Additional works reflect the assimilation of ethnic cuisines into Californias food culture, and all illustrate how food and drink reflect the cultural environments in which they exist.

Many are turning to cooking to help them decompress during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Erik Mitchell, the Audrey Geisel University librarian. Digitizing and sharing a portion of the Librarys culinary collection gives us an opportunity to help our community cope with the pressures of the pandemic, while also delivering on our duty to preserve these materials in perpetuity.

In 1991, the AIWF donated half of its library, which consisted of approximately 400 volumes, to UC San Diego. Those volumes focused largely on European cuisine and culinary history from the 17th to early 19th centuries.

In the years since, the Library has continued to add materials to this collection that support the campuss academic interests in Mexico, the Pacific Rim, Latin America, California and the American West.

To peruse the newly digitized AIWF Culinary Collection items, please visit the Librarys Digital Collections website. To celebrate this milestone, the library will also be sharing content from this collection, handpicked by librarians, on its social media channels throughout the month of June. Follow along on this culinary adventure on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The UC San Diego Library, ranked among the nation's top 25 public academic libraries, plays a critical role in advancing and supporting the university's research, teaching, patient care, and public service missions. The UC San Diego Library provides the foundation of knowledge needed to advance cutting-edge discoveries in a wide range of disciplines, from healthcare and science to public policy and the arts.

Friday, June 5

THREE PADDLE OUTS FOR PEACE

Surfers are hosting three separate paddle-outs in the next few days to memorialize the death of George Floyd and honor the Black Lives Matter movement.

The first is being held Saturday, June 6 at 9 a.m. at Tourmaline Surf Park in north PB. The following day, Sunday, June 7, a paddle-out is planned at 9 a.m. at Ocean Beach Pier. The third paddle-out will be Monday, June 8 at 5 p.m. at WindanSea Beach in La Jolla.

BLACK LIVES MATTER FLOWER MARCH

A recent Helix High School graduate has organized a Black Lives Matter flower march Friday, June 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. in La Jolla.

La Jolla community leaders and I intend to be present at the gathering on June 12, said District 1 Councilmember Barbara Bry.I am very proud of the way the leaders, especially the Village Merchants Association, are welcoming the students and their peaceful march to La Jolla.We are truly a community that cares about our City and all San Diegans.

Added Bry: What we know isthatthe student organizers are working with the police to get the necessary permits to meet at or near the Cove.They intend to hand out flowers, water, etc. starting about noon, listen to a few speakers and then walk toward Windansea.

COVID-19 UNEMPLOYMENT UPDATE

The San Diego Workforce Partnership releases a weekly email update to serve as a one-stop-shop on employment figures and analysis specific to our regions workforce in regards to impacts associated with Covid-19.

In the midst of Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd, it is worth noting that unemployment is significantly higher for Black San Diegans.

Given that this inequity is the result not just of individual discrimination but of centuries of discriminatory public policy, we have an obligation to pursue policies aimed at equalizing access to opportunity. By taking action, including sending a letter to your politicians supporting the CRISES Act, you can help bring about a just and equitable San Diego.

492 total businesses reporting layoffs to the Workforce Partnership since March 10, 2020(up from 482 last week)

75,712 total reported employees affected since March 10(up from 73,617 last week).

This includes 37,045 in the hospitality and restaurant and bar industries. This is an estimate based on the notices received by the Workforce Partnership, although the full impact to employees and the regions economy is still unknown.

240 open jobs that the Workforce Partnership team is working to fill with local employers in ourCareer Portal.

Data from theU.S. Department of Labor:230,461 Californians submitted unemployment insurance claims last week.

SD LOYAL SOCCER CLUB BACK IN ACTION

San Diego Loyal Soccer Club has announced that the USL Championship Board of Governors voted in favor of returning to play for the 2020 season, with a provisional start date set for July 11.

While additional information on competition format, scheduling, broadcast and other important details will be made available in the coming weeks, its important to note that the leagues return to play will be conducted in strict alignment with all local and state public health guidelines.

The announcement feels good, and Im ecstatic for our club, coaches, players and fans, said SD Loyal president Warren Smith. Were beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I look forward to days like our sold-out, March 7 inaugural match.

"We are excited to bring soccer back to our amazing fans in San Diego, said VP of soccer operations and team manager Landon Donovan. Our players are eager to get back on the field and continue putting smiles on peoples' faces."

Fans are encouraged to stay connected in the safety of their own homes by downloading the official team appor signing up for updates and news via SDLoyal.com and #SDLoyal. For more information, visit sdloyal.com.

A.R. VALENTIEN REOPENING

The Lodge at Torrey Pines signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien at 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, will reopen for in-restaurant dining June 5. It will be open for dinner only, Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are encouraged.

Chef Jeff Jackson has curated a menu in honor of reopening that highlights the local farms and dishes that have been integral in the restaurants growth and success since first opening in 2002. This includes Chino Farms corn soup with scallop mousse and basil, as well as the local favorite Liberty Duck breast and confit leg with peach shortbread, arugula, and pine nuts. Guests can enjoy this curated seasonal menu along with an extensive wine list and panoramic views of the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Additionally, restaurant staff has been thoroughly trained in new city safety protocols and we are certified Clean and Safe by the California Hotel and Lodging Association.

GONZALEZ CALLS FOR CLEAR STANDARDS ON RUBBER BULLET USE

In response to recent days filled with images of peaceful protesters maimed by rubber bullets, California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), along with Assemblymembers Dr. Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) and Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), have announced they will pursue legislation to set clear standards on how these harmful projectiles should, and shouldnt, be used by law enforcement.

No one who is simply exercising their right to protest should face possible injury or death because officers are indiscriminately firing rubber bullets into a crowd, Assemblywoman Gonzalez said. Breaking a city-imposed curfew is not a sufficient basis for use of rubber bullets. Crowd control where there is no rioting is not proper grounds to use rubber bullets. It is past time for the State of California to set clear standards on when and how these bullets are used by law enforcement.

Rubber or plastic bullets, also called Kinetic Impact Projectiles (KIPs), are deployed by law enforcement as a means for crowd control. They are increasingly used to respond to protests and are designed to incapacitate individuals by inflicting pain or sub-lethal injury. But researchers have said rubber and plastic bullets should not be used for crowd control. According to BMJ Medical Journal in 2017, three percent of people hit by rubber bullets died of their injuries. Fifteen percent were permanently injured. Rubber bullets are only rubber on the outside, but often contain a metal center that can easily tear through a persons flesh.

There is limited regulation on the development of these weapons. Manufacturers are not required to keep records of injuries from their products in development, field trials, or actual use. There is also no legal requirement for law enforcement to collect data on injuries from rubber bullets or document their use.

The United States began using rubber and plastic bullets during the Vietnam War protests but stopped the use in protests after a fatality in 1971. They were reintroduced in the early 1980s.

LJ COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS SPEAKER SERIES

La Jolla Community Center has announced an online Distinguished Speaker Series.

Tuesday, June 9, 10-11 a.m.; Q&A to follow. Fitness expert, motivational speaker, author (and wife of the fitness icon Jack LaLanne) Elaine LaLanne. Elaine is 94 years old and the author of numerous books including her latest, If You Want to Live, Move; Putting the Boom Back into Boomers. Elaine (LaLa) will entertain the online audience with her wit, fitness suggestions. To register for the Distinguished Speaker Series or an online class, visit ljcommunitycenter.org/dss.

PRAYER VIGIL AT KATE SESSIONS

The Pacific Beach Interfaith Coalition will hold a Prayer Vigil Sunday, June 7, starting at 7 p.m. at Kate Sessions Park, 5115 Soledad Road in PB. The gathering is intended to provide people of all faith and spiritual traditions to come together in prayer and/or meditation seeking peace, justice, and unity in our community, nation, and world. All are welcome to peacefully participate. Attendees must wear masks and practice social distancing.

NATIONAL LACROSSE LEAGUE FOCUSING ON NEXT YEAR

The National Lacrosse League announced it is focusing its attention and efforts on preparing for the next season and has decided not to complete the 2019-20 season. The decision follows the cancellation of the regular season, which was announced April 6 after suspension of the regular season on March 12 due to Covid-19.

"While we are disappointed that we will not be able to complete our 2019-20 season, we understand and respect the decision made by the NLL, said Seals president Steve Govett. On behalf of the entire San Diego Seals organization, Id like to say thank you to all of our fans and partners for their unwavering support. The safety of our fans, partners, players, and staff is our top priority. We are dedicated to the San Diego community and will be ready for a safe and healthy return.

The San Diego Seals, who play their home games in Pechanga Arena in the Midway District, concluded their second season with a 6-6 record, winning five of their last six games.

Thursday, June 4

PADDLE FOR PEACE AT TOURMALINE

A paddle for peace honoring the life of George Floyd and all the loved ones lost will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 6 at Tourmaline Surf Park. Meet on the sand below the showers.

It is important that we lead with kindness and come together as a community full of love and support, said organizers on social media. If you can not paddle out feel free to stand in solidarity with the rest of us on the beach. If youre in doubt, paddle out. Your voice and presence matters. Black lives matter.

The observance will include leis. No plastic is allowed at the event. Each lei made and provided will be given to anyone who will be in the water and on land to be placed in the water for a moment of silence.

BAHIA RESORT HOTEL IMPROVEMENTS

Dempsey Construction has completed an extensive lobby renovation and site improvements for the Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 W. Mission Bay Drive. The project consisted of the renovation of the existing lobby, front of house amenities and additional site improvements.

The scope of work included sectional glass doors, framing and finishes throughout, upgraded lighting in the lobby and exterior soffits, new guest services and guest luggage storage. Site improvements included the addition of a lounge area adjacent to the entry drive, accessible parking and path of travel, decorative concrete hardscape, and landscape throughout.

Dempsey Construction worked with the owner, Evan Hotels, to relocate check-in and guest services to alternate, on-site locations, while the property remained in full operation during all construction activities.

BREAKFAST REPUBLIC OPENS IN PACIFIC BEACH

Following the re-opening of its North Park outpost last week, Breakfast Republic, will re-open for onsite dining at Mission Valley, Pacific Beach, Costa Mesa and East Village locations this week at 7 a.m. Encinitas dwellers can expect to return to their neighborhood brunch spot on June 5. Check the restaurants website and social media platforms for a confirmed re-opening dates.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SOFT PRETZELS

San Diego Pretzel Company celebrates its 25th anniversary providing the pretzel-loving public with authentic, Bavarian-style pretzels.And to mark this important milestone, the company has recently launched its new website: sandiegopretzel.com. During these two and a half decades, their pretzels, sold originally from carts, are now selling in restaurants, bars, amusement parks, convention centers, supermarkets, even at Legoland, SeaWorld, and Disneyland.

The key to our success, and longevity, has been our commitment to high quality, authentic, fresh soft pretzel, and our experienced workforce. Our distribution partners, retailers, restaurant, and bar owners love our consistency and excellent customer service, said Harris Golden, president. And the best part of all, their customers eat them up, literally.

San Diego Pretzel Companys product line-up includes a large Double Twisted Pretzel, New York Style, Philly Style, Munich style, bites, sticks, and custom designs.

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DAILY BRIEFING Rescued sea otter thriving at SeaWorld new principal for The Preuss School Scuderie Italia to open in Pacific Beach - A round-up of...